London 2012 closing ceremony: Timothy Spall as Churchill for a very British end to the Games | Daily Mail Online comments Britain is known the world over for its literary heritage and journalistic tradition so it was only fitting that the closing ceremony wrapped things up in style - by covering the entire set in old newspapers. Mini replicas of Big Ben, the Eye, St Paul's and Battersea Power Station were all covered in newspapers and unveiled in an eerie blue light as the crowd was introduced to an early morning London scene at sunrise. Workers dressed in newspapers emerged from the centre of the stage and started to swamp the city streets as the ceremony proceeded to show viewers through the streets of London at rush hour.

Read all about it!: The stage was turned into a mini replica of London on top of a giant Union Jack flag - all covered in newspaper A way with words: A lollipop lady escorts some newspaper clad children along a miniature Southbank Streets of London: Car and bikes were covered in newspapers as extra created a scene of rush hour London Play a song for me: British singer Emili Sande performing next to a paper piano A series of ramps - covering the track where Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis made history - formed a black and white Union Jack also covered in newspaper, the first of many versions of the flag to feature in the extravaganza. A print-wrapped traffic jam comes to life, as a series of newspaper-clad vehicles, including taxis, trucks and mopeds, honking their horns and revving their engines as they travelled around the lanes of the flag. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share The montage of newspaper headlines were chosen to show the connection between Britain's literary past and its tabloid present with classic lines from Geoffrey Chaucer, William Wordsworth, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens.

Quotes from the earliest surviving Anglo-Saxon poetry to current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, with extracts from Shakespeare and Milton were flashed up on the big screen along the way. The classic sayings shown on the big screens included 'All the world's a stage,' or 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be' and 'We are such stuff as dreams are made of.' Smokingly good: Timothy Spall smokes a cigar while playing Winston Churchill on the top of Big Ben Wrapping it up: Actor Timothy Spall poses as Sir Winston Churchill atop Big Ben next to other London landmarks including St Paul's and Battersea Power Station Big send off: Hundreds of extras encouraged the cheering crowd by waving flags as they moved around the stadium Musical words: Emeli Sande performing Read All About It as she is driven around on a newspaper-covered truck with an image of Queen Elizabeth I among the cuttings Unwrapped on a newspaper rubbish truck, singer Emeli Sande, who performed in the opening ceremony, delighted the crowds with hit song Read All About It as other newspaper glad extras waved Union Jack flags in an explosive contrast of colours.

Forty members from the percussion group Stomp then emerged to swing from the scaffolding, playing models of the capital's landmarks including Big Ben and the London Eye, as if they were instruments. Winston Churchill, played by King's Speech actor Timothy Spall, stood atop Big Ben reciting the same lines from Shakespeare's The Tempest which helped open the Games 16 days ago: 'Be not afeard: the isle is full of noises.' 'The isle is full of noises': Actor Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill recited lines from Shakespeare's The Tempest Driving through London: Black cabs drove down the lanes of a giant Union Jack flag accompanied by city workers and shoppers As the deafening noise grew to a crescendo, Churchill brought the worldwide audience's focus to the royal box as a fanfare announced the arrival of Prince Harry and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge. As Union flags were waved from car windows, the packed stadium was led in the British National Anthem by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Urban Voices Collective. Newspapers figured strongly in the backdrop of the London Olympics closing ceremony as a fitting conclusion to the opening ceremony which heavily featured historical literature.

From classical to pop: Julian Lloyd Webber played the cello during the Closing Ceremony, which celebrated music across the centuries, as well as the decades Flying the flag: The bright colours of the Union Jacks were waved and provided a sharp contrast to the white and black newspaper print Bang on: Stomp performed in front of the London skyline stage set Timothy Spall | Live at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony | Rolling Stone Live at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony Live at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony 34 All Stories Timothy Spall Timothy Spall plays the part of Winston Churchill during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Previous Slide Trending Ranked on a scale from 1 to 10, the trending score reflects the number of users reading a story in real time. What is this? Don’t Miss a Story Sign up for our newsletter to receive breaking news directly in your inbox. We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners.

For more information please read our Privacy Policy How we use your email address © Rolling Stone 2017 London Olympics Closing Ceremony - Olympics - Boston.com London Olympics Closing Ceremony By | 08.13.12 | 10:21 AM The final whistles were blown and the remaining medals were awarded Sunday before the London Olympics wrapped up with a closing ceremony at Olympic Stadium. Scroll through the gallery to see scenes from the final event of the Games. Next Getty Images The Spice Girls—Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown (from left)—reunited for a highly anticipated appearance at the closing ceremony. Among the songs they sang were "Wannabe" and "Spice Up Your Life." Next AFP/Getty Images London mayor Boris Johnson (left) handed the Olympics flag back to the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge (center), who then passed it to the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics.

Next AFP/Getty Images British band One Direction performed its hit song "What Makes You Beautiful." Next REUTERS The men's marathon winners, gold medallist Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda (center), silver medallist Abel Kirui of Kenya (left) and Kenyan bronze medal winner Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich received their medals at the ceremony. Next REUTERS George Michael sang "Freedom" during his portion of the show. Next AFP/Getty Images Unlike the opening ceremony, the flagbearers and athletes enter the stadium at the closing ceremony en masse. Next AFP/Getty Images IOC president Jacques Rogge looks at Locog president Sebastian delivering a speech during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEALLEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages Next REUTERS Model Naomi Campbell took part in a portion of the show that was a tribute to the British fashion industry. Next AFP/Getty Images A tightrope walker performs during a rendition of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" during the closing ceremony. Next REUTERS Britain's Karina Bryant wore her judo bronze medal to the closing ceremony.

Next AFP/Getty Images Like with the opening ceremony, a portion of the closing ceremony was devoted to British traditions and icons. In this case, a band of the British army's guards performed. Next AFP/Getty Images Actor Timothy Spall portrayed British politician Winston Churchill. Next AFP/Getty Images British artist Emeli Sande, who also performed in the opening ceremony, sang "Read All About It," during a tribute to newspapers in which many items were covered in newsprint. Next AP Ray Davies sang "Waterloo Sunset." Next REUTERS Perfomers waved British flags and drove cars wrapped in newsprint. Next AFP/Getty Images British group Madness performed the song "Our House." Next REUTERS Members of the Pet Shop Boys sang their famous tune, "West End Girls." Next AFP/Getty Images Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was one of several royals to attend. Next Getty Images The Games began on July 27 and marked the third time the city of London has hosted the Summer Olympics. Next REUTERS With the competition behind them, it was time to party for many of the athletes, including this group from France. Next REUTERS Damon Albarn of the band Blur sang one of his band's songs during a games closing celebration at London's Hyde Park.

Back to the beginning London Olympics: Closing Ceremony - Photo 1 - Pictures - CBS News London Olympics: Closing Ceremony Next Fireworks explode over the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Athletes, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world have gathered in the Olympic Stadium for the closing ceremony of the 30th Olympiad. Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images A general view of the stadium and Olympic park during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Fireworks explode over the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Fireworks are seen over the Olympic Stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Phil Walter/Getty Images A general view of the stadium as a Union Jack is formed during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images A performer dressed in a Union Jack waistcoat sings during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images Performers wave union flags during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Performers fly Union flags during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images One Direction perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Lee Thompson of Madness performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Suggs and Madness perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Suggs and Madness perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of The Pet Shop Boys perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Performers dressed as Batman and Robin from an episode of Only Fools and Horses perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images Neil Tennant of The Pet Shop Boys perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Performers from the show 'Stomp' perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images One Direction perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Feng Li/Getty Images A member of 'Stomp' performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Singer Emeli Sande performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Big Ben and the London Eye are depicted during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Performers fly Union Jack flags during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images (L-R) Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Liam Payne of One Direction performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images A member of 'Stomp' performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images A general view of the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Actor Timothy Spall poses as Sir Winston Churchill atop Big Ben during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Lee Thompson of Madness performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Members of Stomp perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Feng Li/Getty Images Singer Emeli Sande performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell An image of John Lennon is seen during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images A general view of the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Singer Jessie J performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Taio Cruz performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Musician Annie Lennox performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Musician Annie Lennox performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Entertainer Russell Brand performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm of The Spice Girls perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Musician Ray Davies during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Global artist George Michael performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Global artist George Michael performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images A general view of the performance inside the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Feng Li/Getty Images A replica Big Ben is seen during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Actor Timothy Spall poses as Sir Winston Churchill during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Lee Thompson of Madness performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Model Kate Moss performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Models walk the catwalk in a homage to the British Fashion Industry during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images The flags of the competing nations parade into the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Fat Boy Slim during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Fat Boy Slim aka Norman Cook during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images Eric Idle performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Matthew Bellamy of Muse performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Brian May of Queen performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Artists perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Athletes enter the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images The Japan team parades through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images The Japan team parades through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Athletes parade through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Feng Li Louis Smith of Great Britain during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Hannah Johnston The Household Division Ceremonial State band marches by during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images The team from Columbia enters the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images The United States team parades through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Athletes enter the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Michael Regan Athletes parade through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images The Japan team parades through the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Silver medalist Abel Kirui of Kenya, gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda and bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich of Kenya pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Marathon during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell The Olympic flag is carried by military personnel during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images The Olympic Flag is handed from Mayor of London, Boris Johnson to IOC President Jacques Rogge, who passes to Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images The road to Rio during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images A general view of the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images A general view of the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images A general view of the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012.

Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images A general view of the stadium as the London cityscape is depicted during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images The Olympic Cauldron burns at the centre of the stadium during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2012. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images Timothy Spall smokes a cigar as he plays Pictures | Getty Images Timothy Spall smokes a cigar as he plays August 12, 2012 Licence Timothy Spall smokes a cigar as he plays Winston Churchill during the closing... Timothy Spall smokes a cigar as he plays Winston Churchill during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games.

LessMore Showbiz: London 2012 Olympics - Closing Ceremony Showbiz: London 2012 Olympics - Closing Ceremony 13 August 2012 12:14 AM Shares London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill. Tony Marshall/PA Wire/Press Association Images 01 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Emeli Sande London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Emeli Sande London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Emeli Sande Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill.

© Tony Marshall/PA Wire/Press Association Images 2 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Emeli Sande London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Emeli Sande © Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images Advertisement - Continue Reading Below London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Madness London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Madness © David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images 4 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: One Direction London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: One Direction © Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images Advertisement - Continue Reading Below London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: One Direction London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: One Direction © David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images 6 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: The Union flag flies above the Olympic flame. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: The Union flag flies above the Olympic flame. © Anthony Devlin/PA Wire/Press Association Images Advertisement - Continue Reading Below London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: IOC President Jacques Rogge and Prince Harry.

London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: IOC President Jacques Rogge and Prince Harry. © Tony Marshall/PA Wire/Press Association Images 8 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Performers during the athlete parade. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Performers during the athlete parade. © Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images Advertisement - Continue Reading Below London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Performers on the wheel. London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Performers on the wheel.

© Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images 10 Of 30 London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: George Michael London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: George Michael © Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images Olympic Closing Ceremony 2012: Photos From London | Access Hollywood Olympic Closing Ceremony 2012: Photos From London 1 of 26 Getty Images Victoria Beckham of Spice Girls performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 2 of 26 Getty Images Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Liam Payne of One Direction perform during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 3 of 26 Getty Images Russell Brand performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 4 of 26 Getty Images IOC president Jacques Rogge, Prince Harry and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

 look on during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 in London 5 of 26 Getty Images The Spice Girls perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 6 of 26 Getty Images Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 in London 7 of 26 Getty Images Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen perform alongside Jessie J during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 8 of 26 Getty Images Fireworks during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 9 of 26 Getty Images Annie Lennox performs during the Closing Ceremony of the London 201

2 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 10 of 26 Getty Images Jessie J performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 11 of 26 Getty Images Kate Moss performs during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 12 of 26 Getty Images Tinie Tempah performs during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 13 of 26 Getty Images The Spice Girls perform during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 14 of 26 Getty Images George Michael performs at the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 15 of 26 Getty Images Performers fly Union Jack flags during the Closing Ceremony on Day

 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 16 of 26 Getty Images The Olympic Cauldron burns during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 17 of 26 Getty Images IOC president Jacques Rogge, Prince Harry and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge look on during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 18 of 26 A general view of the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 19 of 26 Getty Images Silver medalist Abel Kirui of Kenya, gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda and bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich of Kenya celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Marathon during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012… 20 of 26 Getty Images Emeli Sande performs during the Closing

 Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 21 of 26 Getty Images A general view of the stadium as a Union Jack is formed during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 22 of 26 Getty Images One Direction perform during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 23 of 26 Getty Images The late John Lennon is displayed on a screen during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 24 of 26 Getty Images A human cannonball prepares for launch during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 25 of 26 Getty Images Timothy Spall plays the part of Winston Churchill during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 

2012 26 of 26 Getty Images Fatboy Slim arrives in a giant octopus during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 12, 2012 Olympics 2012: Star-Studded Closing Ceremony Brings Summer Games to an End | Hollywood Reporter Olympics 2012: Star-Studded Closing Ceremony Brings Summer Games to an End 4:10 PM PDT 8/12/2012 by Georg Szalai COMMENTS A who's who of the British music industry entertained the crowd at London's Olympic Stadium.

LONDON - The Who, Russell Brand, Kate Moss, the Spice Girls, Take That, a Queen moment with special guest Jessie J and a member of Monty Python were among the British stars who showed up to entertain the sold-out Olympic Stadium here during the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics Sunday night. Big Ben itself opened the ceremony as a replica of the famous London bell and its bell tower erected in the stadium chimed 10 times, with the audience counting from one to 10. PHOTOS: Inside the Olympics Closing Ceremony As a small version and vision of London was seen in the stadium with such famous buildings and sights as Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, The Eye and others, singer Emeli Sande began the performances to much applause. Soon after, 40 "Stomp" members suspended above the stadium ground began hitting pots for a bit of a Cirque du Soleil feeling. Actor Timothy Spall then showed up as Winston Churchill, popping out of the top of Big Ben as he spoke words from Shakespeare's "The Tempest. " Cars, meanwhile, drove in circles, and they soon turned out to be wrapped in newspapers.

In what Twitter followers took as a tribute to British newspapers, women on the stadium ground were also shown handing out papers to other actors. Up next was a bit of official business as International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and Prince Harry, standing in for Queen Elizabeth II , walked into the stadium, and the British anthem played. Then the music picked up in pace, as following a countdown from five to zero, Batman and Robin jumped out of a car, and Michael Caine's voice as Batman's butler Alfred was heard. Madness then got the crowd to clap along as they performed their hit "Our House," with the sax player suspended in mid-air at one point to many cheers. Blur's "Parklife" was next before the Pet Shop Boys showed up to sing "West End Girls" from the back of a rickshaw pulled by cyclists with unusually shaped red or orange hats. The Pet Shop Boys themselves wore black spikey hats as they performed. Older stars made space for new ones as Simon Cowell's boy band One Direction next entertained the crowd before Stomp recreated the bustle of London's working days.

Ray Davies, former singer of The Kinks, then sang his love song to London "Waterloo Sunset" as the audience seemed to enjoy the tribute to the British capital. The ceremony continued in tribute mode as Sande next sang while a tribute video showing celebrating and crying athletes played. Soon, the Games' athletes and their flags entered the stadium. As the British stars walked in as Elbow sang "Open Arms," the stadium was lit in the colors of the British flag, and the Union Jack flag was formed by lights when the stadium was shown in an overhead shot. In an extended segment focused on inspiration, all athletes were seen walking around the stadium, some of who seemed to walk in from the audience while Elbow sang "One Day Like This." As athletes continued to pour into the stadium, the songs previously played repeated. The audience welcomed all athletes with a big round of applause before 303 white boxes were carried into the stadium - representing the 303 competitions of the Olympics. That segment also saw black-and-white highlight videos from some of the competitions, followed by color videos including ones showing big British winners like Chris Hoy, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, as well as Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt.

Some more Olympic business was handled next as the medals for the marathon was handed out as is tradition during the closing ceremony, following by a segment that honored the volunteers of the Games. The music then kicked in again with a brief Queen interlude before a children's choir - in white T shirts with the black word "Imagine" on them - sang "Imagine" with help from a John Lennon video. The BBC said the choir was made up of kids from Lennon's birthplace Liverpool. That kicked off the "British Symphony of Music" portion of the closing ceremony that featured a slew of stars as the stadium took on a concert feel, including various light shows. First off was George Michael who sang "Freedom." "You are at the center of the universe," Michael said before he launched into a second song, "White Light." He was followed by a group of bikers that brought Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson into the stadium where he joined his band mates on stage for a song. A David Bowie video montage was next, and then the London fashion industry got a tribute as trucks with fashion posters drove in - only to reveal a group of models, including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Annie Lennox came next on top of a pirate ship to sing "Little Bird" from "Bram Stoker's Dracula." In a Pink Floyd moment, Ed Sheeran, Nick Mason and Genesis' Mike Rutherford played "Wish You Were Here" while a tightrope walker was shown. Russell Brand then surprised the audience by coming into the spotlight on top of a psychedelic bright bus lip synching to Beatles song "I Am the Walrus." Sounds of surprise were heard again as Brand introduced DJ Fatboy Slim who played two of his hits. Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz followed with some of their hits before they joined together for a rendition of the Bee Gees' "You Should Be Dancing." London taxi cabs then brought in the Spice Girls for their much-anticipated reunion to much applause. They kicked off with "Wannabe" and also "Spice Up Your Life" as each of the five singers was driven around the stadium on top of a separate taxi. During the Spice Girls performance, the cameras even showed British prime minister David Cameron London mayor Boris Johnson dancing. "Wonderwall" kept the stadium in the musical past as Liam Gallagher delivered an Oasis moment.

The closing ceremony producers then went for some comedic relief as Monty Python member Eric Idle came out of a big cannon to perform "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." Nuns on skates followed by Indian dancers, whose dance moves Idle tried to copy, added to the comedy elements here. The segment ended with a real human cannon ball flying through the stadium. The show continued with Muse and a video screen tribute to Queen's Freddie Mercury followed by Queen guitarist Brian May and his drum partner joined by Jessie J for "We Will Rock You." As is tradition, the Greek anthem and the Olympic anthem next led into the final official part of the closing ceremony's Olympic business. London's mayor then handed over the Olympic flag to Rio's mayor Eduardo Paes. Rio's taste of what is to come at the Rio Olympics in 2016 included samba, a dancing street cleaner, soccer star Pele, model Allesandra Ambrosio, dancers in clothes with lights, acrobatics and several singers.

London 2012 organizer and former Olympic runner Sebastian Coe, welcomed with much applause, said London presented "wonderful Games in a wonderful city," adding that "we lit the flame and we lit up the world." He also said: "When our time came, Britain, we did it right." After Rogge declared the Summer Games officially closed, the Olympic flame was slowly extinguished, and the camera focused on Take That, including Gary Barlow whose wife recently had to deal with the loss of their fourth child, to much applause. To their "Rule the World," fireworks lit up the London night sky. The final performers of the night were The Who who sang three songs, including "Baba O'Reilly" and closer "My Generation" as more fireworks entertained the crowd. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Question: Who was portrayed by Timothy Spall during the closing ceremony?
Answer: Sir Winston Churchill